The Development of a New Telecommunications Policy Framework for a Knowledge Society

1. This presentation will probably involve audience discussion, which will create action items. Use PowerPoint to keep track of these action items during your presentation • In Slide Show, click on the right mouse button • Select “Meeting Minder” • Select the “Action Items” tab • Type in action items as they come up • Click OK to dismiss this box • This will automatically create an Action Item slide at the end of your presentation with your points entered. The Development of a New Telecommunications Policy Framework for a Knowledge Society Zonia Samuel Adrabo Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate University of Pretoria

2. Executive Summary • Background & Introduction • Literature Review • Theories, Models & Methods • Research Methodology • Research Philosophy • Theory-building empirical research • Policy Research • Research Technique(s) • Delphi Technique (3 Rounds) • SAIS-2001 Secondary Data Analysis • Initial Findings Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate University of Pretoria

3. Background & Introduction • Developments in Telecommunications Technology and Industry • Growth in PSTN, GSM & CDMA, Satellite, • Telecommunications Policy vs. Public Policy Formulation Process • Information Society, Knowledge Society & Globalisation Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate University of Pretoria

4. Theories on Policy Process ~ 1 • The Democratic Theory - Boeringer • The Pluralist Theory – Boeringer • The Corporatist Theory – Bramans - Masco • The Political Economy Theory – Marxist approaches • A) Instrumentalists • B) Structuralists Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate University of Pretoria

5. Theories on Policy Process ~2 • Realism/Realpolitik (German origin) – Viotti, Zacher and Sutton • Integration (Pluralism and interdependence) • Masco • World System theory • Wallerstein • Legal Framework for Policy Making • 3 tier government of SA and judicial system in SA and Uganda Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate University of Pretoria

6. Models & Methods ~ 1 • The Rational-Comprehensive model • The incremental model • The Mixed-scanning model • The Elite/mass model • The Group model “ Toyi-Toyi” • The Institutional model • The social interaction model Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate University of Pretoria

7. Models & Methods ~ 2 • The Systems model • Policy network and community model • Chaos, Complexity and Quantum models • Functional policy stages/phases • Other models • Vibration Resonance Mathematical Model: • Symbolic models use mathematical symbols to describe the relationship among variables associated with a specific issue • Procedural models use elementary methods to stimulate relationships between variables Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate University of Pretoria

8. Research Methodology Research Problem: • Telecommunication Policy has mostly been formulated with political ambitions rather than focus on technology and services the adopted technology can provide. • The main objective of the research is therefore to develop a framework for the development of telecommunications policy with specific reference to technology use for the purpose of fulfilling the needs of a knowledge society Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate University of Pretoria

9. Research Questions • What level of usage of the information and communications technologies determine whether one is in information or knowledge society? • What innovative activities in telecommunications influence the adoption of information and communication technonologies? • How can we formulate appropriate policies within the socio-political and economic dimensions to satisfy all the parties involved in the telecommunications industry? • What Telecommunication policy issues offer the best services to an emerging Knowledge Society? Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate University of Pretoria

10. Research Objectives • To establish what level of ICT usage determines Information Society or Knowledge Society • To establish the technological, social, economic and political factors affecting innovation in telecommunications policy processes. • To do a Policy Analysis of the existing telecommunications policy processes and propose ways of improving them. • To develop a new framework using concepts, models, theories for the formulation of a telecommunications policy for an emerging knowledge society. Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate University of Pretoria

11. Research Hypothesis & Propositions • Proposition 1: Information Society and Knowledge Society are based on the extend and use of ICT's respectively which in turn is a consequence of innovation • Hypothesis 1: The availability and usage of ICTs determine whether or not a society can be classified as an Information Society or Knowledge Society • Proposition 2: Telecommunications Policy Formulation is affected by technological, economic, social and political factors • Hypothesis 2: Political, Economic, Social and Technological factors have a direct effect on Telecommunications Policy formulation Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate University of Pretoria

12. Research Hypothesis & Propositions • Proposition 3: The two drivers of the technological innovations in Telecommunications are Universal Service and Quality of Service • Hypothesis 3: Universal Service Obligation and Quality of Service drive the development of Telecommunications Technology. • Proposition 4: Existing Telecommunications Policies need improvement to catch up with innovations in Telecommunications Technology. • Hypothesis 4: In an emerging knowledge society, telecommunications policy and regulatory institutions require a more robust framework in order to match innovations in Telecommunications Technology. Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate University of Pretoria

13. Research Philosophy *Theory-building empirical research Policy research: • is multidimensional in focus: b)uses an empirico-inductive research orientation c)incorporates the future as well as the past d) responds to study users or stake-holders e) explicitly incorporates values Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate University of Pretoria

14. The Delphi Technique The Delphi Technique begins with an open-ended questionnaire that is given to a panel of selected experts to solicit specific information about a subject or content area. In subsequent rounds of the procedure, participants rate the relative importance of individual items and also make changes to the phrasing or substance of the items. Through a series of rounds (typically three), the process is designed to yield consensus. Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate University of Pretoria

15. Research Instrument Delphi Survey Questionnaire constructed in 4 sections: • Key Characteristics of Information and Knowledge Society • Key Technologies for Information and Knowledge Society • Key Issues in Telecommunications Policy Formulation Process • Key Models and Methods for Policy improvement Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate University of Pretoria

16. Research Procedure • Selection of Participants • Sample Size (30 = 10 from S Africa; 10 from Uganda & 10 from USA & Europe) • Data gathering procedure • Data analysis Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate University of Pretoria

17. Initial Findings The conceptual model of the key attributes of the desired telecommunications policy framework shall consist of three major components: 1) focused conceptualisation or context; 2) well-defined policy process; 3) built-in capacity for improvement • Contextualisation: Specifically defined nature and role; Concepts, theories and models; Historical development and current status • Policy Process: Problem statement or agenda-setting; Design & Development; Decision-making or choice of alternatives; Implementation or operational deployment; Project Management; Assessment or Evaluation • Capacity building for policy improvement =Innovation: Institutionalisation; Policy analysis and management; Further research and Training. Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate University of Pretoria

18. Policy Improvement Framework Policy Process Contextualisation Capacity-building

19. THANK YOU! Zonia Samuel Adrabo PhD candidate University of Pretoria